School Holiday on 22 January 2026 (Thursday): Schools Closed in THESE States, Due to Cold Wave and Festivals Check Details Here

Based on current weather alerts and the 2026 academic calendar, school holiday statuses for Thursday, January 22, 2026, vary across India. While there is no nationwide public holiday, several states have implemented closures due to extreme weather or local cultural events. The primary driver for school closures on January 22, 2026, is the ongoing severe cold wave and dense fog affecting North Indian states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. In these regions, District Magistrates are frequently ordering closures or implementing revised timings for students from Nursery to Class 8 to safeguard them from extreme weather exposure. Separately, regions like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh maintain extended winter breaks for schools in high-altitude areas, while specific districts elsewhere may declare local holidays for fairs or religious observances.

Parents and students should be aware that formal holiday declarations, particularly due to weather, are often made late (e.g., 8:00 PM the night before). Although a general full holiday for January 22 has not been gazetted nationwide, many schools, especially in Haryana, are operating on revised winter timings, typically starting around 10:00 AM. Crucially, the confirmed Gazetted Holiday is on Friday, January 23, 2026, for Basant Panchami, when all schools in relevant regions will be closed.

The Cold Wave and Dense Fog (North India)

In states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts regarding a severe cold wave.

• Safety Protocols: To protect children from extreme exposure, District Magistrates frequently order the closure of schools for students from Nursery to Class 8.

• Board Students: Please note that students in Classes 10 and 12 may still be required to attend for pre-board exams or practical assessments, often with delayed start times (e.g., 10:00 AM).

Local and Regional Observances

While most harvest festivals (like Pongal and Bihu) have concluded by this date, some local administrative holidays may apply:

• Hilly Regions: Schools in high-altitude areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh remain closed as part of their mandatory extended winter break.

• Special Events: Specific districts may declare local holidays for regional fairs or religious processions.

School Holidays on January 22 — State-Wise / Region-Wise Breakdown

Important Information for Parents and Students

• DM Orders: In North India, holiday declarations are often made at the last minute based on visibility and temperature. Always check your district's official social media handles or local news portals at 8:00 PM the night before.

• Online Mode: To maintain the academic schedule, many private schools in urban areas like Noida, Gurugram, and Lucknow may switch to online classes instead of a total holiday.

• Exam Attendance: If you have scheduled JEE Main 2026 related sessions or practical boards, these usually proceed regardless of weather-related primary school closures.

• Timing Changes: While a district-wide "Full Holiday" for Jan 22 has not been gazetted (unlike Jan 23 for Basant Panchami), most schools are operating on revised winter timings (typically starting at 10:00 AM) to avoid the early morning peak cold and fog.

• Upcoming Holiday: Please note that Friday, January 23, 2026, is a confirmed Gazetted Holiday across Haryana for Basant Panchami / Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti, and all schools will be closed then.